Norway orders AeroVironment's Ravens

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MONROVIA, Calif., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Norway's Defense Logistics Organization has ordered hand-launched Raven unmanned aircraft systems from California's AeroVironment Inc.

The order -- including spares, training services and logistics support -- is worth $4.9 million.

AeroVironment said delivery of the Raven is scheduled for early next year.

"With years of successful deployment, Raven is proving its value to military forces around the world," said Tom Herring, AV senior vice president and general manager of its unmanned aircraft systems business segment. "As the most prolific unmanned aircraft system, Raven gives frontline forces the ability to perform their tasks more effectively and safely."

The Raven unmanned aircraft is a 4.2-pound, hand-launched sensor platform that provides day and night, real-time video imagery for "over the hill" and "around the corner" reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition in support of tactical units. U.S. armed forces use Raven systems extensively for missions such as base security, route reconnaissance, mission planning and force protection.

Each Raven system typically consists of three aircraft, two ground control stations and spares.